HABITAT FOR A HAPPY HEART

Home Improvement
By Bob and Liz Johnson(Condensed version was published in Bird Talk in the June, 2003 issue
under the title "Try a Free Flight Aviary")

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Shyne Foundation is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit
corporation dedicated to the permanent housing of formerly abused, neglected,
and unwanted parrots. Birds were designed for flight and here the birds
live in a quarter-acre, sixteen-foot high free-flight simulated rainforest
habitat in South Florida. They are thus enabled to live their lives
as closely as possible in the way nature intended, enjoying the fresh
air and sunshine, the trees, the rain, the feel of the earth beneath
their feet and interactions with each other.

Bob and Liz Johnson, the founders of The Shyne Foundation, so named
it in memory of Shyne Browne, who was a dedicated researcher and
breeder of Hyacinth Macaws. In her honor, the Foundation is also
continuing the research portion of her work with this highly
endangered species. Here, the Foundation is attempting to learn more
about Hyacinths' natural interactive behaviors (and misbehaviors) in
this natural habitat setting, which has seldom, if ever, been done
within the confines of captivity.

As the caretakers of parrots, we must consider preserving the
spirit of the bird as well as merely the physical form. A bird's
environmental requirements differ greatly from ours and proper
environmental stimulation is important to both their physiological and
psychological well-being. Here, we are attempting to provide as
natural a setting for them as possible. Many of the psychotic behaviors
exhibited by some pet birds, such as feather plucking, excessive
screaming, and biting are often the result of being forced into an
unnatural environment. Many of these undesirable behaviors are
alleviated when birds are allowed to express themselves as birds. When
given a sense of self-determination and self-worth, they heal.

This free-flight situation in no way deters from their desire to
interact with humans. A less codependent relationship develops and
they begin to see us as coinhabitants who can share in their games and
play rather than as captors who restrict their behaviors.

The Johnsons, both psychologists and nutritionists, have been
practicing alternative health care with their birds for over twenty
years. As well as living in a natural setting, the birds are also
given a totally natural diet, consisting of organically grown fruits
and vegetables, a variety of raw nuts and seeds, and an abundance of
locally grown palm nuts. They are also given a variety of
immune-building herbs and natural supplements.

"...and once you have tasted flight

you will walk the earth with your eyes turned
skyward, for there you have been and there you long to return."
-- Leonardo da Vinci